STOCKTON - The girlfriend of a man police believe was murdered in his Weston Ranch home pleaded guilty Tuesday to accessory after the fact, admitting she helped the killer after the gruesome attack.

The dismembered remains of 48-year-old Michael Shane Jones, described by a friend as a quiet military veteran, were discovered spread around a Tuolumne County campsite.

Authorities tracked down suspected murderer Bryan Cook to the location, following a tip that led Stockton police to the bloody crime scene at Jones' home on Jan. 2.

Valentina Paz, the victim's girlfriend, acknowledged blame in an arraignment hearing Tuesday, only her second court appearance, when she entered the guilty plea that exposes her to a potential maximum sentence of up to three years.

Timothy Grimes, a friend of Jones', said he had just seen Cook and the victim the Saturday before the slaying.

Grimes and Jones belong to the same amateur radio club out of Stanislaus County.

"He was a very quiet, nice guy," said Grimes, 58. "He was said to be an Iraq veteran.

"We talked on the radio quite often, maybe once a week, and we met at the club meetings once a month."

Grimes said he didn't know much about Paz, except that she was in a relationship with Jones.

"Mike had actually called myself and another ham radio operator (on Dec. 28) and told us that he had to move. He was moving to a place on Pershing Avenue," Grimes said. "And that he was in the hospital and that he needed some help moving an antenna tower. I discussed it with some other hams, and we agreed to go on a Saturday."

The group was supposed to store it for Jones until he was well enough to pick it up.

"It's shocking," Grimes said. "We were there one day to pick up a tower. And we actually met Bryan Cook, because Mike had told us his girlfriend was going to be there that Saturday when we went to get the tower."

Grimes said when the group arrived to pick up the tower, they rang the doorbell and there was no answer.

"We proceeded along to the side yard and we saw the tower, ... so at this point when we pick up the tower and start walking, Mr. Cook starts coming around the back and introduced himself."

Grimes described Jones as a great guy who was coming out socially. "He wanted to make friends, and a ham radio club is a great way once you get your license," Grimes said.

Stockton police were tipped off that a homicide occurred at Jones' home in the 4500 block of Mist Trail Drive. Although there was no body at the scene, there was enough evidence for investigators to determine a bloody assault took place and that the victim could not have survived.

Authorities found Cook in Groveland, where they also located a man's torso in a nearby campsite fire. Other body parts were found in different spots around the campsite, including Cook's vehicle.

Cook appeared in court Tuesday seated next to Paz. During the hearing, he appeared cheerful as he greeted Paz and spoke to her in a low voice. She remained quiet with her head down at times.

Cook was escorted out of the courtroom after attorneys agreed on a date for his next appearance for further arraignment.

Paz, 49, remained in the courtroom for her case to be called. When it was, she indicated she wanted to plead guilty voluntarily. Paz was not offered a plea deal.

Judge Franklin Stephenson advised her that she could face as much as three years in jail or as little as some probation time.

Paz, who is held in the San Joaquin County Jail, is scheduled back in court Feb. 10 to set a date for sentencing.

Cook is charged with premeditated murder and special circumstances of murder for financial gain, an enhancement that makes him eligible for the death penalty.

Prosecutors have not announced whether the District Attorney's Office will pursue capital punishment or life without the possibility of parole.

Contact reporter Jennie Rodriguez-Moore at (209) 943-8564 or jrodriguez@recordnet.com. Follow her at recordnet.com/courtsblog and on Twitter @TheRecordCourts.